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California Governor Signs Ban on Park Name Trademarks

The law would not affect federal landmarks, including those in Yosemite.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation prohibiting ownership claims over California state park names after a dispute that led to renaming beloved sites at Yosemite National Park.

Brown announced Wednesday he's signed AB2249.

The legislation won't end the controversy at Yosemite but is aimed at preventing a similar dispute at state-run parks. The bill would also disqualify future bids by a vendor that attempts a trademark claim on a state park or its historical, cultural or recreational resources.

The U.S. National Park Service renamed several Yosemite sites during a dispute with a former concessionaire. The Ahwahnee Hotel became the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and Curry Village became Half Dome Village, among others.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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